Important lift info.....

Mosi · 08-13-2001, 06:06 PM

If you plan on lifting your X or even running bigger tires with a torsion lift, prepare for premature wear on the center link. I just got my truck back from the shop to have them check some things out and they said my center link is toast. Unfortunately you have to replace the whole thing and the part is about $150 if you DIY. I only have 27k on my truck BTW. I wonder how long this one will last? $150 every year or so wouldn't be bad but if they only last 10k or so.. that would suck!

ned946 · 08-13-2001, 10:06 PM

Okay, you got my attention!
Please excuse my ignorance, but can you be more specific on what was "toasted" on the center link? I gave my X a quick look and it seems as if the center link is in a fixed position with the (what I think is called..) drop pitman arm (?). From there it swings back to another join (which would also seem to be fixed) and finally on to the tie rod (?). It seems as if the tie rod is the only thing that would be affected by torsion bar/lift adjustments. I'm not trying to flame but just trying to learn.
-Ned

Mosi · 08-14-2001, 01:20 AM

Ned.. I posted this on XOC.......

It's the swivel joints that are in the relay rod that are toast. You can't just replace the joints which sucks! I was simply refering to it as a center link since it is in fact a "center link" .. the proper term for the "center link" of the tie rod assembly is "tie-rod bar" according to the manual.

warmonger · 08-14-2001, 05:34 AM

Mosi,

Are you sure that is due to the lift? The center link on the X doesn't appear to flex under the lift, the tie rods do. I have heard of several people having problems with them without lifts and it makes me wonder. Also, have you given thought to a Pathy centerlink if that is the case so you can get replaceable ball joints? I haven't really looked at my centerlink that closely, but if you can bolt in a Pathy centerlink and get replaceable ball joints since they use the same length centerlink, you could save yourself some hassle. Something to think about.

Mosi · 08-14-2001, 10:02 AM

You're right, it doesn't seem to flex with the lift by it does put extra stress on those bushings. Lift the front end up and wiggle the tires to see if you have any slop. If you don't, then you are fine... if you do, it should be replaced so you don't mess up your tires.
The pathy relay rod would be a good thing to look into. I will check with the parts guy to see if we can compare the two.

warmonger · 08-15-2001, 02:23 AM

Mosi,

I was talking with a fellow club member who has owned several Pathys and he told me something I hadn't thought about. He told me that when the lift is put on, the tie rods get an extreme angle at full downward articulation. He said on Nissans this stresses the centerlink. He said Pathys handle this by using a dropped Pitman and Idler arm. On the Jeeps and Chevys I have owned, you didn't have to worry about it until you hit 4 inches on the lift. Apparently it becomes an issue on Nissans at about 2 inches. I would guess you have found a new weak link.

Philosopher · 08-15-2001, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by warmonger
Mosi,

I was talking with a fellow club member who has owned several Pathys and he told me something I hadn't thought about. He told me that when the lift is put on, the tie rods get an extreme angle at full downward articulation. He said on Nissans this stresses the centerlink. He said Pathys handle this by using a dropped Pitman and Idler arm. On the Jeeps and Chevys I have owned, you didn't have to worry about it until you hit 4 inches on the lift. Apparently it becomes an issue on Nissans at about 2 inches. I would guess you have found a new weak link.

Interesting. Sounds about right too.

*sigh*

Matt Peckham · 08-15-2001, 02:45 PM

so basically a bracket that allows the links to leave at less extreme angles, a step shaped bracket? who's gonna design this one?

FSRBIKER · 08-15-2001, 02:54 PM

Well according to my partner there is not one for the Pathfinders...so Matt the answer to your question is cough..cough..cough

Philosopher · 08-15-2001, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FSRBIKER
Well according to my partner there is not one for the Pathfinders...so Matt the answer to your question is cough..cough..cough

Finsh your :bonghitte and answer the question!

ned946 · 08-15-2001, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FSRBIKER
Well according to my partner there is not one for the Pathfinders...so Matt the answer to your question is cough..cough..cough

(I'll take a stab at it) The answer is....

EOE is going to make a new center link AND and front (real) QD!

(right??????????????)

P.S. Todd, did my tie rods ship?

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